Signs of Climate Change in the Mediterranean Area in South-Western France between Cap Leucate and Cap Béar

The Pyrénées-Orientales region in south-western France has recently experienced a climate characterised by high temperatures and low rainfall, resulting in drought conditions. This study conducts a site analysis to examine how a region likely impacted by climate change is managed across different levels. Given the increasing frequency of regional climate impacts expected in the future, the understanding of responses to such challenges is essential. The site analysis focuses on three main aspects. First, an overview of climatic conditions over the past two decades is provided using data from two climate stations, Leucate and Cap Béar. The findings show trends of rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation. Second, governmental responses to the drought are analysed, particularly the implementation of water-use restrictions depending on the severity of drought impacts in individual municipalities. These restrictions targeted both individual and agricultural water use. Third, a media analysis investigates the representation of the drought in two French newspapers, Le Monde and Le Figaro. Results reveal that media coverage primarily focused on governmental measures, emphasising consequences and adaptation strategies. ... mehrThe government emerged as a central actor and main source of information. Differences between the newspapers were observed. Le Monde focused more on meteorological aspects and ecological actors than Le Figaro, while Le Figaro published a higher number of shorter articles compared to fewer but longer articles in Le Monde. Future research could extend the scope of this work by analysing representations of the drought in other French media outlets and by comparing responses to regional climate phenomena in different countries.